The family of a famous British architect who left his home to the National Trust says it is "laughable" that it could be open to the public for just two days a year.

Owletts in Cobham, near Gravesend, was bequeathed to the nation by Sir Herbert Baker who died in 1946.

One of the conditions was that members of the Baker family could live there at a reduced rent.

However, a recent hike in the charge by the National Trust has meant Sir Herbert's great-grandson David Baker and his wife have had to move out.

This month, the property has been made available to rent for £3,500 a month – but tenants would need to "facilitate visitors accessing a number of rooms within the property and the garden" on a "minimum of two specified days of the year”.

Prior to the pandemic, the Grade II* listed building was open every Sunday between April and September.

Post-lockdowns in 2021, the National Trust said it would be reducing visiting days from 24 to just two over a “heritage weekend”.

This suggestion was met with fury from the Baker family, with Camilla Baker, who still lives in another property in the grounds of Owletts with her son, starting a petition opposing the reduced access which was signed by almost 5,000 people.

She said: “From 2013 to 2019 we were open for 24 days a year as well as opening the house to numerous pre-booked groups tours.

“We hosted an annual event for the local school and community with cultural events for local benefits – we used to get 2,000 visitors annually.

“They suggested that two days a year be introduced as a trial, but they never took any official feedback from the tenants, visitors or volunteers."

If it were to open for just two days, Camilla says the Trust would be going against what her ancestor wanted.

“The relevance of this house to the community will be diminished, in direct opposition to Sir Herbert’s wishes,” she continued.

"They are ignoring the legacy of one of Kent's famous sons, who was pivotal in getting the Trust off the ground, acted a committee member and persuaded others to bequeath their legacies.

"This wonderful national institution is behaving in an underhand and greedy fashion.

"I want Owletts to be full of people and life again – it has sat hollow and empty for a summer while the garden grows wild.

"Is this what Sir Herbert gave his legacy for? To be a cash cow for a charity that does nothing for local people?"

In response, the Trust says the number of days Owletts will be open to the public will depend on discussions with the new tenant.

Meanwhile, the house is currently occupied by a house sitter and has remained closed to the public over the summer months.

Richard Henderson, National Trust director in Kent, said: “We would never discuss a lease agreement between a tenant and the Trust publicly.

“What we can say is that the tenancy for Owletts as advertised includes a requirement to open for a minimum of two days per year, with the specific number of days dependent on the final outcomes of discussions with the new tenant, once appointed.

“We will then be able to publicise the opening arrangements for 2024.

“Owletts is a special place which is why the National Trust took it on in the first place.

“The specifics of the tenancy agreement will ensure its unique heritage and collection is maintained and cared for, as it always has been.”

Camilla, who said she expects there to be a rental review of the property she occupies, added: “They have doubled the rent and forced out my brother, a tenant of 10 years and a member of the Baker family, with no explanation.

“I know we are lucky to have access to our ancestral home but to have it come to an end is a real shame.

“They also said they reserve the right to remove the collection but if you remove it what is the point of the house?

“And whoever moves in has responsibility over the interior of the building so how do we know they would look after it?”